This magnificent 12.75-inch Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue portrays Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion and one of the most revered figures of Tibetan Buddhism. Handmade by skilled Newar artisans in Patan, Nepal, the sculpture is cast in copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax method and fire gilded in 24K gold. Chenrezig’s serene face is individually hand painted with natural pigments, while his dark blue hair creates a striking contrast with the luminous gold surface. The elaborate Bodhisattva crown, layered necklaces, earrings, arm ornaments, bracelets, flowing scarves, and carefully sculpted attributes give this statue an exceptionally graceful presence.
Known in Tibet as Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara embodies the enlightened compassion directed toward all sentient beings. His four-armed manifestation expresses the compassionate activity of a Bodhisattva who continually works for the liberation of others. The peaceful expression and balanced proportions of this sculpture make it equally suitable for a Buddhist altar, meditation space, Dharma center, or collection of traditional Himalayan sacred art. Discover more about Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism and his central role within Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue Iconography
The four hands of Tibetan Avalokiteshvara communicate different aspects of his compassionate activity. His two principal hands meet before his heart and hold the precious Cintamani, or wish-fulfilling jewel. The jewel represents the awakened mind of compassion and the aspiration to relieve suffering. His upper right hand holds a mala, symbolizing continuous prayer and the recitation of Chenrezig’s celebrated six-syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. His upper left hand supports a blossoming lotus, an enduring Buddhist symbol of purity and awakening arising unstained from the conditions of samsara.
Above Chenrezig’s ornate crown appears a small image of Amitabha Buddha, identifying his spiritual lineage and providing one of the most distinctive attributes of Avalokiteshvara iconography. Graceful ornamental scarves extend from his arms and curl outward around the body, adding movement to the otherwise meditative composition. Chenrezig sits in the full vajra posture upon a sculpted lotus throne with prominent raised lotus-petal detailing. The brilliant 24K gold surface highlights the sculpted jewelry and garment borders while allowing the smooth contours of the body to remain visually prominent.
Chenrezig and Om Mani Padme Hum
The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is inseparably associated with Chenrezig and is among the most widely recited mantras in Tibetan Buddhism. The mala held in his upper hand visually reinforces this connection to continuous compassionate practice. For practitioners, Chenrezig represents the cultivation of loving-kindness toward all beings and the transformation of compassion from an aspiration into a way of life. Learn more about the meaning and practice of the Chenrezig mantra in our detailed Avalokiteshvara guide.
At the buyer’s request, this statue may also be embellished with genuine turquoise and red coral gemstones before shipment. The stones can be embedded into selected areas of the crown and jewelry, adding traditional Himalayan color to the gold-gilded sculpture while retaining the original iconographic composition.
Avalokiteshvara and Green Tara Statue Pair
This Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara makes an especially meaningful companion to our 24K gold-gilded Arya Tara statue. Their similar gold finish creates visual harmony when displayed together, while their doctrinal relationship gives the pairing much deeper significance. Tibetan tradition recounts that Tara arose from a tear of Avalokiteshvara as he contemplated the suffering of sentient beings. Chenrezig embodies limitless, all-embracing compassion, while Green Tara expresses its swift and active response. Together they represent compassion both as profound awareness of suffering and as enlightened action undertaken to relieve it.
Custom Made Avalokiteshvara Statues from Nepal
Collectors, practitioners, temples, and Dharma centers seeking different dimensions, finishes, gemstone arrangements, or coordinated shrine figures may commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade in Nepal. Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara may be commissioned individually or together with Green Tara as a complementary altar set. Chenrezig’s contemplative, boundless compassion and Tara’s readiness to act on behalf of suffering beings make the two deities an exceptionally harmonious doctrinal pairing. A coordinated commission can preserve their traditional attributes while matching the dimensions, gilding, ornamentation, and overall visual character of both sculptures.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
György Lengyel –
I purchased a similar but smaller – 8.75″ – statue. The quality of the received item is very good and the finish is like on the website picture. The shipping process was without any issues except the parcel had been re-packed – noted inside – somewhere most probably due to a routine inspection. I’m completely satisfied with the received statue and also with the customer service.